Skin tightening compositions

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to cosmetic compositions that provide immediate skin-tightening and long-lasting improvements to the skin for the treatment of, for example, eye bags, facial wrinkles, and other age-related skin imperfections. The compositions comprise: (a) a first film former sodium silicate; (b) at least one second film former; (c) at least one polyvalent silicate thickener; (d) at least one anionic associative polymeric thickener; (e) at least one plasticizer; and (f) optionally at least one cosmetic powder.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to cosmetic compositions that provideimmediate and long-lasting improvement to the skin. In particular, thecompositions provide a physical tightening effect to the skin and aretherefore useful for treating eye bags, facial wrinkles, and otherage-related skin imperfections.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Skin produces less collagen and elastin as it ages. For example, afterthe age of twenty, a person (human) produces about 1 percent lesscollagen in the skin each year. As a result, the skin becomes thinnerand more fragile. Inevitably, wrinkles, crow's feet, age-spots, eyebags, and the like, begin to form.

Consumers often wish to improve the appearance of such age-related skinimperfections, preferably with instantaneous results. Many consumerproducts and procedures devoted to hiding and reducing wrinkles areavailable. Some products and procedures are simple and inexpensive, forexample, applying make-up, particularly a primer or colored foundation,to cover the skin (and thereby cover and/or fill the wrinkles andprovide a smoother look). Far more expensive and drastic procedures,such as surgical face lifts and Botox® injections, are also used toreduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, many consumers either cannotafford, or do not wish, to undergo such drastic cosmetic procedures.There are a number of lotions and creams which are formulated to hydratethe skin and make it more supple, thereby reducing the appearance ofwrinkles. Some of these products contain active ingredients, forexample, niacinamide, that help repair and rejuvenate skin over time.Unfortunately, however, all of these products and procedures havedrawbacks.

Make-up products are often visible, offer minimal texture benefits, andhave no long-term lasting effect on the skin. After removal of themake-up, the skin looks the same as before the make-up was applied.Common skin care products can have chronic, acute or both effects on theskin. Hydration and optical effects are common acute benefits, but thesebenefits quickly wear-off over time.

Attempts have been made to develop new categories of products to improvethe appearance of skin without the drawbacks of existing products andprocedures. One such family of products can be generally classified as“adhesive, contractile film formers”. Film formers are chemicalcompositions that when applied to skin, leave a pliable, cohesive andcontinuous covering. A select group of film formers are also adhesive tothe skin and contractile.

Sodium silicate has been found to have dramatic, instant results. Seepatent applications US2015/00373380, US2013/0189332, EP2404642. Thecompositions in these patent applications, however, quickly lose theirskin tightening effect. For example, the films lose their elasticity andquickly begin to whiten, crack, and peel. The instant disclosure isdirected to new and improved long-lasting skin tightening compositionsthat do not suffer the drawbacks of other skin-tightening compositions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The current disclosure relates to a skin tightening composition thatimparts an instant sensation and physical skin tightening effect uponapplication to the skin, in particular, to eye bags and eye or facialwrinkles, without the drawbacks of other products. The presentdisclosure relates to a skin tightening film forming composition, whichis typically an aqueous composition, comprising:

(a) a first film former sodium silicate;

(b) at least one second film former;

(c) at least one polyvalent silicate thickener;

(d) at least one anionic associative polymeric thickener;

(e) at least one plasticizer; and

(f) optionally, at least one cosmetic powder.

The composition typically provides an immediate tightening of the skinand smooths imperfections of the skin upon application.

The composition may have an alkaline pH, for example, it may have a pHvalue from about to 10 to about 12. Furthermore, the composition may bein the form of a liquid dispersion, a gel, a cream, a lotion, a mousse,or a spray. Likewise, the composition may be in the form of a liquidemulsion, such as a liquid-lotion, liquid-gel, liquid-cream, or a creamemulsion, such as a thick cream or gel-cream, foam or mousse wherein theliquid emulsion form has a thinner consistency than the cream emulsionform.

The instant disclosure also relates to methods for improving theappearance of skin comprising applying the compositions described hereinto the skin. For example, the instant disclosure relates to methods forfirming and/or tightening the skin comprising applying the compositionsdescribed herein to the skin and forming a skin-tightening film or layeron the skin. In some instances, the compositions are applied to the skinof the face, and/or more specifically around the eyes, around the mouth,and/or around the neck of a human face. The methods of improving theappearance of skin include methods for treating or reducing theappearance of wrinkles, blemishes, dryness, roughness, dullness, agespots, sagging, and/or puffy skin.

The compositions of the present disclosure are surprisingly stable,elastic, and provide an unexpectedly long-lasting skin tightening effectto the skin. Unlike other products, the films formed on the skin withthe instant compositions do not dry-out and whiten, crack, or peel.Instead, they remain flexible (elastic), durable, and comfortable.Moreover, the compositions (and resulting films) hydrate and protect theunderlying skin.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementation of the present technology will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graph comparing the results of inventive Formula 6 and thecommercially available product Instant Ageless® on under eye bags. Thegraph illustrates time versus improvement of the under eye bags.

FIG. 2 is a graph comparing the results of inventive Formula 6 and thecommercially available product Instant Ageless® on crow's feet. Thegraph illustrates time versus improvement of crow's feet.

It should be understood that the various aspects provided by the figuresare not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in thefigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As mentioned previously, the present disclosure relates to cosmeticcompositions that provide instantaneous and long-lasting improvement tothe skin. In particular, the compositions provide a tightening effect onskin and are therefore useful for treating eye bags, facial wrinkles,and other age-related skin imperfections. Typically, the compositions ofthe instant disclosure comprise: (a) a first film former sodiumsilicate; (b) at lease one second film former; (c) at lease onepolyvalent silicate thickener; (d) at least one anionic associativepolymeric thickener; (e) at lease one plasticizer; and (f) optionally,at least one cosmetic powder. For example, the compositions maycomprise:

-   -   (a) from about 1% to about 10% by weight of first film former        sodium silicate;    -   (b) from about 1% to about 10% by weight of at least one second        film former;    -   (c) from about 0.3% to about 0.7% by weight of at least one        polyvalent silicate thickener;    -   (d) from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of at least one        anionic associative polymeric thickener;    -   (e) from about 2% to about 15% by weight of at least one        plasticizer; and    -   (f) optionally, from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of at        least one cosmetic powder.

Upon application to the skin, the compositions provide an immediatetightening sensation and reduce skin imperfections.

The compositions can have an alkaline pH. For example, in some cases,the pH may be in the range of 10 to 12, 10.5 to 11.5, or 11 to 11.5.

Typically, the film former sodium silicate is present in an amount from1% to 10%, 2% to 9%, 3% to 8%, 3% to 7%, 4% to 6%, or 4% to 5%, byweight of the total weight of the composition.

The at least one second film former may be selected from the groupconsisting of colloidal silica, pullulan, Polycacrylate-21 (and)acrylates/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, Polyurethanes,polysaccharides, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylates, acrylatescopolymer, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the second film formeris a polysaccharide, which may have one or more free hydroxyl groups.Furthermore, in some cases, the polysaccharide is pullulan. Typically,the second film former is present in an amount from 1% to 10%, 2% to 8%,3% to 7%, or 4% to 6%, by weight of the total composition.

The total amount of the film former sodium silicate and the additionalfilm former(s) (i.e., the total weight of all film formers in thecomposition) may be present in an amount from 1% to 20%, 1% to 18%, 1%to 16%, 1% to 14%, 1% to 12%, 1% to 10%, 1% to 8%, 2% to 20%, 2%, 18%,2% to 16%, 2% to 16%, 2% to 14%, 2% to 12%, 2% to 10%, 2% to 8%, 3% to20%, 3% to 18%, 3% to 16%, 3% to 14%, 3% to 12%, 3% to 10%, 3% to 8%, 4%to 20%, 4% to 18%, 4% to 16%, 4% to 14%, 4% to 14%, 4% to 12%, 4% to10%, 4% to 8%, 5% to 20%, 5% to 18%, 5% to 16%, 5% to 14%, 5% to 12%, 5%to 10%, 5% to 8%, or 3% to 15%, by weight of the total weight of thecomposition.

The polyvalent silicate thickener may be selected from the groupconsisting of magnesium silicate, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, apolyvalent silicate clay, montmorillonite, bentonite, smectite, andmixtures thereof. In some cases, the polyvalent silicate thickener ismontmorillonite. In some cases, the polyvalent silicate thickener isorganically modified clay such as kaolinite, smectite, bentonite, and/ormontmorillonite The polyvalent silicate thickener is typically presentin an amount of 0.1% to 0.9%, 0.1% to 0.8%, 0.1% to 0.7%, 0.2% to 0.9%,0.2% to 0.8%, 0.2% to 0.7%, 0.3% to 0.9%, 0.3% to 0.8%, 0.3% to 0.7%,0.4% to 0.9%%, 0.4% to 0.8%, 0.4% to 0.7%, 0.4% to 0.9%, 0.4% to 0.8%,0.4% to 0.7%, 0.4% to 0.6%, or about 0.5%.

The compositions of the disclosure typically include at least oneanionic associative polymeric thickener. The at least one anionicassociative polymeric thickener may be selected from the groupconsisting of an acrylate copolymer, an acrylates/beheneth-25methacrylate copolymer, an acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer,and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the at least one anionic associativepolymeric thickener may include acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylatecopolymer such as Aculyn™ 22 (Dow Chemical Company);acrylates/beneneth-25 methacrylate copolymer such as Novethix™(Lubrizol); acrylate copolymer such as Carbopol® Aqua SF-1 Polymer(Lubrizol). The at least one anionic associative polymer thickener istypically present in an amount from 0.5% to 15%, 1% to 15%, 1% to 14%,1% to 13%, 1% to 12%, 1% to 10%, 1% to 8%, 2% to 15%, 2% to 14%, 2% to13%, 2% to 12%, 2% to 10%, 2% to 8%, or 2% to 6%, by weight of the totalcomposition. Many anionic associative polymeric thickeners arewater-soluble, and increase the viscosity of water or form an aqueousgel when the cosmetic compositions of the disclosure aredispersed/dissolved in water.

The compositions of the disclosure typically include at least oneplasticizer. The at least one plasticizer may be, for example, propyleneglycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, dipropylene glycol,glycerin, propane diol, triethyl citrate, isohexadecane, and sodiumhyaluronate. Typically, the plasticizer is present in an amount of 1% to15%, 1% to 14%, 1% to 13%, 1% to 12%, 1% to 11%, 1% to 10%, 2% to 15%,2% to 14%, 2% to 13%, 2% to 12%, 2% to 11%, 2% to 10%, 5% to 15%, 5% to14%, 5% to 13%, 5% to 12%, 5% to 11%, 5% to 10%, or 9% to 11% by weightof the total weight of the composition.

The compositions described herein may include at least one cosmeticpowder. Cosmetic powders can be used to help formulate compositions thatare smooth and soft on the skin. Representative cosmetic powdersinclude, but are not limited to, talc, mica, magnesium carbonate,calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate,silica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide,black iron oxide, polyethylene powder, methacrylate powder, polystyrenepowder, silk powder, crystalline cellulose, starch, titanated mica, ironoxide titanated mica, bismuth oxychloride, and the like. Additionalpowders include, but are not limited to, inorganic powders, such asgums, chalk, Fuller's earth, kaolin, sericite, muscovite, phlogopite,synthetic mica, lepidolite, biotite, lithia mica, vermiculite, aluminumsilicate, starch, smectite clays, alkyl and/or trialkyl aryl ammoniumsmectites, chemically modified magnesium aluminum silicate, organicallymodified montmorillonite clay, hydrated aluminum silicate, fumedaluminum starch octenyl succinate barium silicate, calcium silicate,magnesium silicate, strontium silicate, metal tungstate, magnesium,silica alumina, zeolite, barium sulfate, calcined calcium sulfate(calcined gypsum), calcium phosphate, fluorine apatite, hydroxyapatite,ceramic powder, metallic soap (zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, zincmyristate, calcium palmitate, and aluminum stearate), colloidal siliconedioxide, and boron nitride; organic powder, such as polyamide resinpowder (nylon powder), cyclodextrin, methyl polymethacrylate powder,copolymer powder of styrene and acrylic acid, benzoguanamine resinpowder, poly(ethylene tetrafluoride) powder, and carboxyvinyl polymer,cellulose powder, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose and sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose, ethylene glycol monostearate; inorganic whitepigments, such as magnesium oxide. Representative cosmetic powdersinclude, for example, polymethylsilsesquioxane, methyl polymethacrylatecrosspolymer, Nylon-12, silica and boron nitride, and combinationsthereof.

In some cases, the cosmetic powder may be selected from the groupconsisting of talc, mica, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate,magnesium silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate, silica, titaniumdioxide, zinc oxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black ironoxide, polyethylene powder, methacrylate powder, polymethylMethacrylate, polystyrene powder, silk powder, crystalline cellulose,and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the cosmetic powder is polymethylmethalcrylate.

When present, the one or more cosmetic powders may be present in anamount of 0.1% to about 25%, 0.1% to 20%, 0.1% to 15%, 0.1% to 10%, 0.1%to 8%, 0.1% to 6%, 0.1% to 4%, 0.5% to 20%, 0.0.5% to 15%, 0.5% to 10%,0.5% to 8%, 0.5% to 6%, 0.5% to 4%, 1% to 20%, 1% to 15%, 1% to 10%, 1%to 8%, 1% to 6%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 10%, 2% to 8%, 2% to 6%, or 3% to 7%,based on the total weight of the composition.

The instant disclosure also relates to methods for improving theappearance of skin comprising applying the compositions described hereinto the skin. Furthermore, the instant disclosure relates to methods forfirming and/or tightening the skin comprising applying the compositionsdescribed herein to the skin and forming a skin-tightening film or layeron the skin. In some instances, the compositions are applied to the skinof the face, and/or more specifically around the eyes, around the mouth,and/or around the neck. The methods of improving the appearance of skininclude methods for treating or reducing the appearance of wrinkles,blemishes, dryness, roughness, dullness, age spots, sagging, and/orpuffy skin.

The compositions of the present disclosure may be in the form of aliquid dispersion, a gel, a cream, a lotion, a mousse, or a spray. Thecomposition may be in the form of a liquid emulsion, such as aliquid-lotion, liquid-gel, liquid-cream, or a cream emulsion, such as athick cream or gel-cream, foam or mousse wherein the liquid emulsionform has a thinner consistency than the cream emulsion form.

The compositions of the present disclosure are typically aqueouscompositions. For example, the compositions may have 20% to 80%, 20% to70%, 20% to 60%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 40%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 80%, 30% to70%, 30% to 60%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 40%, 35% to 65%, or 40% to 60%water.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, andare not intended to be limiting.

Example 1 (Formulas 1-22)

TABLE 1 Formula Ingredient/US INCI 1 2 3 4 5 Name % % % % % SodiumSilicate 3.5-5.0 5.5-5.8   6-6.8 7.5-8   8.5-9.5 Polyvalent Silicate¹0.50-0.70 0.6-0.7 0.3-0.5 0.4-0.6 0.6-0.7 Acrylates Copolymer 0.5-2.0 6-10 11-15 2-6  9-13 Second Film Former² 4.0-5.0 3.0-4.0  8-10 2-3 5-4Cosmetic Powder 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Water QS QS QS QS QS Plasticizer³ 8-10 4.0-6.0 10-12 5-7 3-5 ¹Vermiculite, Montmorillonite.²Polyurethanes, Polysaccharides, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Acrylates andColloidal Silicate. ³Propylene Glycol, Polyethylene Glycol, Glycerol,Sorbitol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Triethyl Citrate,Isohexadecane.

TABLE 2 Formula Ingredient/US INCI 6 7 8 9 10 11 Name % % % % % % SodiumSilicate 5 5.6 6.5 7.5 8 9 Montmorillonite 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7Acrylates 3 7 13 4 12 11 Copolymer Pullulan 5 4 9 2 5 4 Polymethyl 3 4.57 4 3 3 Methalacrylate Water QS QS QS QS QS QS Glycerin 10 5 11 6 4 8

TABLE 3 Formula Ingredient/US INCI 12 13 14 15 16 Name % % % % %Polyvalent Silicate¹ 0.50-0.70 0.6-0.7 0.3-0.5 0.4-0.6 0.6-0.7 AcrylatesCopolymer  8.0-12.0  6-10 11-15 2-6  9-13 Film Former² 4.0-5.0 3.0-4.0 8-10 2-3 5-4 Cosmetic Powder 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Water QS QS QS QS QSPlasticizer³  8-10 4.0-6.0 10-12 5-7 3-5 ¹Vermiculite, Montmorillonite.²Polyurethanes, Polysaccharides, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Acrylatescopolymer and Colloidal Silicate. ³Propylene Glycol, PolyethyleneGlycol, Glycerol, Sorbitol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol,Triethyl Citrate, Isohexadecane.

TABLE 4 Formula Ingredient/US INCI 17 18 19 20 21 22 Name % % % % % %Montmorillonite 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 Acrylates 3 7 13 4 12 11Copolymer Pullulan 5 4 9 2 5 4 Polymethyl 3 4.5 7 4 3 3 MethalacrylateWater QS QS QS QS QS QS Glycerin 10 5 11 6 4 8

In making the formulations in the above tables, the following proceduremay be used. The polyvalent silicate is introduced in portions withmedium sweep and shear to the main kettle containing water at roomtemperature and mixed for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the ingredientis fully hydrated and the mixture is homogenous. The polysaccharide isadded in portions with medium sweep and shear. Then, the cosmetic powderis added. The mixture is mixed for 5 to 10 minutes or until uniform. Theglycerin is added and mixed for 5 minutes or until uniform. Thehomogenizer is turned off. Then, the vacuum is pulled until air bubblesare removed. The anionic associative polymeric thickener is slowly addeddirectly to the main kettle as to not cause aeration. While still underthe vacuum, continue to mix the ingredients. The sodium silicate isadded slowly to neutralize the thickener, using low sweep and pullvacuum. Mixing is continued until the thickener is neutralized and theformula appears uniform.

Example 2 (Comparative)

TABLE 5 Formula 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 US INCI Name % % % % % % % SodiumSilicate 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Polyvalent Silicate 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 Acrylates 3 3 33 3 3 3 Copolymer Pullulan 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Polymethyl 3 0 0 0 3 3 6Methalacrylate Silica 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 Sodium Hyaluronate 0 0 0 0 0.25 0.50 Plasticizer 10 0.5 3.2 3 10 10 10 Water QS QS QS QS QS QS QS TOTAL (%)100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Table 5 shows various compositions which were formed using the sameprocess as Example 1.

If the amount of polyvalent silicate is equal to 1%, like in Formulas23-28, the compositions (the films) crack after application to the skin.If the polyvalent silicate is not present in the formula (0%), like inFormula 29, the composition is too soft and does not provide theproperties of a skin tightener. When the amount of polyvalent silicateis greater than 0% but less than 1%, or about 0.5%, the compositionprovides an unexpectedly strong, flexible, and durable skin tighteningcomposition.

The present application was compared to several commercially availableproducts such as Serious Skincare Firm-A-Face XR™ All Over SkinTightener, Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Temporary Face Tightener,Fusion Beauty Nip Line Erase Instant Line Remover, Hydroxatone 90 SecondWrinkle Reducer, NuNutrients Facelift, Renoir No Lines Temporary WrinkleRemover and Instantly Ageless®. The commercially available productsprovided a tightening sensation and visual changes to the skin within 5minutes. Nonetheless, they presented many negative characteristics upondrying such as whitening, cracking of the film, and incompatibility withvarious makeup regiments. Furthermore, the beneficial results (e.g., theskin tightening properties) were not long-lasting. The compositions ofthe instant disclosure were long-lasting. The compositions retainedtheir beneficial results (e.g., the skin tightening properties) withoutwhitening, cracking, or peelings for a much longer period of time thanthe commercially available products, e.g., longer than 30 min, 1 hour, 3hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, or 6 hours.

In the section below, Formula 6 from Example 1 (Table 2) is comparedwith Instantly Ageless®. Instantly Ageless® contains sodium silicate,magnesium aluminum silicate, acetyl hexapeptide-3, phenoxyethanol,ethylhexylglycerin, water, Yellow 5 and Red 40.

To compare the two compositions, an instrumental evaluation, utilizingthe Cutometer MPR 580 (Courage and Khazaja, Köln, Germany), was carriedout. The Cutometer Study measures the skin elasticity of the eyebags.The objective of this study is to collect cutometer data to determinethe relationship between skin elasticity and aesthetician grading foreyebag appearance and to correlate changes in skin elasticity andwrinkle visibility after application of film technology with changes ineyebag grade.

An expert evaluation of eye bags was also performed by an aestheticianusing a 7 point scale atlas grading. The efficacy of the product wasexamined at T=0, 10 min, 30 min, 3 hours, and 6 hours. Women withbaseline Grade 4 eye bags experience an average of 2.5 grade reductionin puffiness for 6+ hours after application of the compositionsdescribed herein.

After application of Instantly Ageless® to the skin, an immediatetightening of the skin was observed, but the tightening almostimmediately began to dissipate and the product formed white film,cracked, and caused slight irritation. Instantly Ageless showed anaverage reduction of 1 grade with a higher tendency of film flaws suchas whitening and cracking. On the contrary, the inventive compositionsexhibited long-lasting results for at least 6 hours and an average of2.5 grade reduction in eye bag puffiness.

FIGS. 1 and 2 compare the inventive example and the commerciallyavailable product Instantly Ageless®. FIG. 1 represents the reduction ofunder eye bags over time. The study was completed with 6 Caucasian womenaged 40-60 years with Grade 4 eye bags (Aging Atlas grade).

As observed in FIG. 1, the inventive composition provided dramaticresults compared to Instantly Ageless®. An instant improvement wasnoticeable in 10 minutes and lasted over 6 hours. On the other hand,whitening, flaking, and cracking, appeared within only 3 hours withInstantly Ageless®.

FIG. 2 represents the reduction of crow's feet. The inventivecomposition provided longer lasting results compare to InstantlyAgeless®. The inventive composition showed only very slight film flawsafter 3 hours; whereas film flaws began appearing at 30 minutes forInstantly Ageless®.

Example 3 (Film Property Tests)

Thickeners were tested according to three criteria: compatibility,viscosity, and tightening. Below is a Table of the different thickenerstested with their results.

TABLE 6 Thickeners INCI Name Compatibility Viscosity TighteningAcrylates/steareth-20 + − + methacrylate copolymer¹Acrylates/beneneth-25 + + + methacrylate copolymer² PVP³ − + +Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate − − N/A copolymer⁴Acrylates/beneneth-25 + − + methacrylate copolymer⁵Acrylates/steareth-20 + − + methacrylate copolymer⁶ Acrylates/C10-30alkyl acrylate − − + copolymer⁷ Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate − − +copolymer⁸ Acrylate copolymer⁹ + + + Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate + +− copolymer¹⁰ Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate + − − copolymer¹¹Montmorillonite¹² + + + ¹Aculyn 22 Polymer, available from Dow Chemical.²Novethix L-10 Polymer, available from Lubrizol. ³Flexithix, availablefrom Ashland ⁴Carbopol 1382 Polymer, available from Lubrizol. ⁵Aculyn 28Polymer, available from Lubrizol. ⁶Aculyn 88 Polymer, available fromLubrizol. ⁷Carbopol Ultrez 21 Polymer, available from Lubrizol.⁸Carbopol Ultrez 20 Polymer, available from Lubrizol. ⁹Carbopol AquaSF-1 Polymer, available from Lubrizol. ¹⁰Pemulen TR-2 Polymer, availablefrom Lubrizol. ¹¹Pemulen TR-1 Polymer, available from Lubrizol.¹²GelWhite-H XR, available from BYK Additives & Instruments.

Table 6 shows that the acrylates/benenth-25 methacrylate copolymer, theacrylates copolymer, and the montmorillonite presented positive results(+) for all three parameters: compatibility, viscosity and tightening.

Film formers were tested according to three criteria: compatibility,formed film, and tightening. Below is a table of the different filmformers tested with their respective results.

TABLE 7 Film Formers Formed INCI Name Compatibility Film TighteningPolyurethane-35¹ + − − Polyurethan-2 (and) Polymethyl + − −methacrylate² Pullulan + + + PVP³ + + − Polycacrylate-21 (and) + + +acrylates/ dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer⁴ Polyacrylate-2crosspolymer⁵ − N/A N/A Polyacrylate-32⁶ + − − AMP-acrylates/allylmethacrylate + − − coloymer⁷ Silica⁸ + + + Sodium Silicate + + +¹Baycusan C 1004, available from Bayer Material Science. ²Hybridur 875Poymer Dispersion, available from Air Products. ³PVP K30L, availablefrom Ashland. ⁴Syntran PC5100 CG, available from Interpolymer ⁵FixateSuperhold Polymer, available from Lubrizol ⁶Fixate Design Polymer,available from Lubrizol ⁷Fixate G100L PR Polymer, available fromLubrizol ⁸Colloidal Silica, Ludox AM X6021, available from GraceDavison.

Pullulan, polycacrylate-21 (and)acrylates/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, silica, and sodiumsilicate provided the best film-forming properties, as shown by thepositive (+) results for all three properties: compatibility, formedfilm, and tightening.

A standard safety test for eye products, called BCOP (Bovine CornealOpacity and Permeability), was conducted in vitro to measure the levelof irritation of the products. The results showed that the inventivecomposition was cosmetically acceptable and caused only mild, if any,irritation.

Example 4 (pH Study with Composition Containing Sodium Silicate)

A study of the pH was performed. The results showed that if the pH isbelow 10, the composition became more solid. However, it was found thatwhen the pH is in the range of 10 to 12, or 11 to 11.5, the compositionexhibits special properties. For example, the composition exhibitedexcellent film-forming properties on the skin and the film exhibitedunexpectedly long-lasting strength, durability, and flexibility(elasticity).

As used herein, all percentages are by weight (wt. %) of the totalcomposition.

All numeric ranges are inclusive of narrower ranges; delineated upperand lower range limits are interchangeable to create further ranges notexplicitly delineated. All ranges and values disclosed herein areinclusive and combinable. For examples, any value or point describedherein that falls within a range described herein can serve as a minimumor maximum value to derive a sub-range, etc.

As used herein, the term “tightening” means that the film contracts in amanner that skin has a tighter sensation to the user, and smooths skinimperfections upon application on the skin, which reduces the visualappearance of wrinkles in the skin.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” areused in their open, non-limiting sense.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural aswell as the singular.

The expression “at least one” means “one or more” (and vice versa) andthus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.

“Film former” or “film forming agent” as used herein means a polymer orresin that leaves a film on the substrate to which it is applied, forexample, after a solvent accompanying the film former has evaporated,absorbed into and/or dissipated on the substrate.

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as ifeach individual publication or patent application were specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event ofan inconsistency between the present disclosure and any publications orpatent application incorporated herein by reference, the presentdisclosure controls.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure.Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the exemplaryembodiments but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that it iscapable to use in various other combinations, modifications, andenvironments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scopeof the disclosed concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with theabove teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Theembodiments described herein above are further intended to explain bestmodes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with thevarious modifications required by the particular applications or usesthereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit theinvention to the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended to theappended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments.

1. A skin tightening aqueous film forming composition comprising: (a)from about 1% to about 10% by weight of a first film former sodiumsilicate; (b) from about 1% to about 10% by weight of at least onesecond film former; (c) from about 0.3% to about 0.7% by weight of atleast one polyvalent silicate thickener; (d) from about 0.5% to about15% by weight of at least one anionic associative polymeric thickener;(e) from about 2% to about 15% by weight of at least one plasticizerselected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol,butylene glycol, propanediol; and (f) optionally from about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight of at least one cosmetic powder; wherein thecomposition provides a tightening sensation and reduces skinimperfections upon application to the skin.
 2. The composition of claim1, wherein the (a) first film former sodium silicate is present in anamount from about 3% to about 8% by weight of the total weight of thecomposition.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the (b) at least onesecond film former is selected from the group consisting of colloidalsilica, pullulan, Polycacrylate-21 (and)acrylates/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymer, Polyurethanes,Polysaccharides, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Polyacrylates, acrylatescopolymer, and mixtures thereof.
 4. The composition of claim 3, whereinthe (b) at least one second film former comprises a polysaccharide. 5.The composition of claim 4, wherein the polysaccharide is pullulan. 6.The composition of claim 4, wherein the polysaccharide contains one ormore free hydroxyl groups.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein thesecond film former(s) is/are present in an amount from 2% to 8% byweight of the total composition.
 8. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe (c) at least one polyvalent silicate thickener is selected from thegroup consisting of magnesium silicate, calcium silicate, aluminumsilicate, a polyvalent silicate clay, montmorillonite, bentonite,smectite, and mixtures thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe (c) at least one polyvalent silicate thickener comprisesmontmorillonite.
 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polyvalentsilicate thickener(s) is/are present in an amount of 0.4% to 0.6% byweight of the total composition.
 11. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe polyvalent silicate thickener(s) is/are present in an amount ofabout 0.5% by weight of the total composition.
 12. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the (d) at least one anionic associative polymericthickener is selected from the group consisting of an acrylatecopolymer, an acrylates/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer, anacrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, and mixtures thereof. 13.The composition of claim 1, wherein the anionic associative polymericthickener(s) is/are present in an amount from 1% to 10% by weight of thetotal composition.
 14. The composition of claim 1, wherein theplasticizer(s) is/are present in an amount from 5% to 13% by weight ofthe total composition.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises a (f) at least one cosmetic powder selected fromthe group consisting of talc, mica, magnesium carbonate, calciumcarbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum magnesium silicate, silica,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, blackiron oxide, polyethylene powder, methacrylate powder, polymethylMethacrylate, polystyrene powder, silk powder, crystalline cellulose,and mixtures thereof.
 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the (f)at least one cosmetic powder comprises polymethyl methalcrylate.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the composition is from about10 to about
 12. 18. A method for improving the appearance of skincomprising applying the composition of claim 1 to the skin.
 19. Themethods of claim 18, wherein improving the appearance of skin comprisestreating or reducing the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, dryness,roughness, dullness, age spots, sagging, eye bags, and/or puffy skin.20. A method for firming and/or tightening the skin comprising applyingthe composition of claim 1 to the skin.